Closing machine



April 9, 1946. `H. B. PETERSON ET A1.

CLOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1942 5 sheets-sheet 1 CLOSING MACHINE lNTOILS A T ToENES/s April 9, 1946. H. B. PETERSON ET AL 2,397,979

CLOSINGMACHINE Filed Jan.y 14, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 M mgm A T TOENEYS April 9, 1946.- H. B. PETERSON E1- AL 2,397,979

CLOSING MACHINE April 9, 1946. H. B. PETERSON ET Al. 2,397,979

CLOSING MACHINE .Filed Jan. 14, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 lllllllllm Patented Apr. 9, 1946 CLOSING Macnma Howard B. Peterson Francisco, Calif.,

and Roland E. Renard, San assignors to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey v Application January 14, 1942, Serial No. 426,760

(Cl. 2Z6-82.4)

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to a vacuum closing machine for sealing containers or cans and has particular reference to`vacuum devices for controlling the operation of the machine.

Vacuum closing machines of semi-automatic character in which cans to be vacuumized and sealed are placed manually in a vacuum chamber,

usually require a re-vacuumizing of the chamber vision, in a can closing machine, of vacuum de vices which operate in accordance with the vacuum or air condition Within the can sealing chamber and these control the cycle of operation incident to vacuumizing and sealing the can.

Another object is the provision in such a can closing machine of a knockout pad located in the sealing head which is controlled by the vacuum condition within the sealing chamber so that the can cover will be held in place on the can during the operations incident to closing the can.

Another object is the provision of such a machine wherein the vacuum condition within the sealing chamber is utilized to actuate clutch devices used to set the machine in operation for one complete can sealing cycle.

Another object is the provision in such a can closing machine of devices which are actuated by the vacuum condition within the can sealing chamber to effect, through uid pressure means, one complete can closing cycle of the machine.

Numerous other objects and advantages-of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical section taken through a can closing machine embodying the instant'invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1 and showing parts in a different position;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken substantially along the line 3-3 in Fig. 1;

. Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the upper portion of the machine, with parts broken 'away and parts shown in section;

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged sectional views of valve devices used in the machine, the views being taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Fig. 3 and showing the moving parts of the devices in different positions; l

Figs. '7 and 8 are transverse sectional views taken substantially along the line I-l in Fig. 5 and showing the moving parts in different positions;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the broken line 9 9 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective exploded view of principal members of the valve device, with parts broken away;

Figs. 11, 12' and 13 are fragmentary enlarged sectional views of a clutch mechanism used in the machine, the views being taken substantially along the line Ii--il in Fig. 3 and showing the moving parts of the mechanism in different positions;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional detail taken substantially along the line |4--I4 in Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the base of the machine, `with parts broken away;

Figs. 16 and 17 are fragmentary enlarged sectional views of uid pressure devices used in the machine, the view being taken substantially along the line lS-IS in Fig. 3 and showingthe moving parts of the devices in different positions; and

Figs. 18, 19 and 20 are fragmentary enlarged sectional views of the closing head knockout and its associated parts used in the machine and a can and cover to be united to seal thecan, theA views illustrating the different positions of the moving parts in relation to the can and the cover during the operations incident to closing the can.

As a preferred embodiment of the instant invention the drawings illustrate an improved vacuum closing machine of the character disclosed in United States Patent 2,113,591, issued April 12, 1938, to S. S. J acobs, on Vacuum closing machine.

-In such a machine filled sheet metal cans A (Figs.

1, 18, 19 and 20) are vacuumized and are then closed with covers or ends B (Figs. 1 and 2) which are secured in place on the cans by the interfolding of flange parts to produce uniting seams of the well known double seam character.

A can A to be vacuumized and closed is placed manually upon a lifter pad 2l (Fig. 1) which is located in a sealing chamber 22 partially enclosed by walls of a frame 23 which constitute the main frame of the machine. The remainder` of the sealing chamber is enclosed by a door 2li` which is hingedly secured to the machine frame.

The cover B to be secured to the can is placed manually within a horizontal floating ring or support 28 (Fig. 2) which is attached to the inside of the door. Hence when the door is closed the cover is brought into vertical alignment with and above -the can.

After closing the door 24 of the sealing chamber 22 the door is locked manually by a handle 26V (Fig. 4). 'Ihis locking of the door actuates a vacuum valve device 21 which brings the sealing chamber into communication with a source of Y vacuum to vacuumize the chamber.

Whenthe sealing lchamber is suiliciently vacuumized, a one revolution clutch device 28 (Figs.

cycle of machine operation soon comes to an end as the clutch device operates to release the presadjacent the sealing chamber. The handle is formed with a locking. lug 8.9 and-this lug engages in front of a lug 91 onthe door 24 to lock the door shut when the handle is rotated into locking position. l

The can A and its cover B thuslocated and locked in the sealing chamber 22 in spaced and aligned position are readyv for the vacuumizing operation. Vacuumizing `of the sealing chamber is effected rapidly by use o f a'pre-,vacuumized receiver or reservoir, 1I (Figs. 1 and 2) formed in the main 'frame 23. The receiver is entirely enclosed by hermetic walls of the main frame. This receiver is connected by way of the valve vdevicel -21 to the sealing chamber.

One wall of the receiver 1| is formed with an e outlet opening 12 (see also Figs. 3 and 9) which.

sure on the lifter. A knockout element 38 in the seaming head, acting under the influence of the vacuum condition in the sealing chamber, pushes l the can down out of the head and thus starts the lifter on its descending travel to its original position. Release of the uid pressure on the lifter pad permits of unlocking the door on the sealing chamber. This unlocking of the door also breaks the vacuum within the chamber and thus allows the door to be opened to remove the closed can. This completes the entire cycle 'of operations incident to closing the can:

l A detailed explanation of the machine will now be given." A can A when placed upon the lifter pad 2| is centered in a predetermined position by a stop lug 4| (Fig. 1) which is secured to the pad and by a centralizing seat 42 formed in a bracket 49 securedvto an inner vertical wall 44 of the machine frame 23. (see also Fig. 2).

The cover B when placed in the 'iloating support ring rests on a shouldered countersunk seat 41 formed in the ring. The ring is loosely carried on a horizonta1 shelf 48 which is formed on the inside of the door 24. .The shelf is provided with a semi-circular locating ledge 49 which extends up and is engaged by a similar depending shoulder 5| on the ring. The ring is yieldably pressed against the locating ledge by a' com- 'pression spring 52 which is interposed between a lug 53 on the ring and the inside surface of the door. Nearly one-half. of the ring overhangs the shelf 48.

Vis ln registry with a port 13 in a conduit 14. One

end'of thevconduitl is bolted to the side oi the main frame 23 while the other end is secured to the' valve body 94. The port 18 registers' with a hole 15 in the valve body and this hole leads into a valve opening 1B in .the body.

The valve `opening 18 provides a clearance space for a removable but stationary valve inember 8| (see also Figs. 5 and 6)v which'rests on an Y annular shoulder 82 formed inside the valve body .64. The valve member is formedwith a centrally located spider section' leaving spaces 83 between the spider arms which lead into a valve aperture 84 in the bottom of the member. This valve aperture communicates with a valve outlet 85 in a anged pipe section 88 formed on the bottom of the valve body. The iianged section is bolted to The cover support ring 25 resting on Ithe shelf 48 moves with the door and thus when the door is swung open the ring is readily accessible for the insertion-of a cover B onto the ring seat 41. .When the doorfis closed the innermost overhang-y ing edge of the ring :lits into a horizontal groove in the can locating bracket 43 and this groove locates and .holds the ring in vertical alignment The handle 26 which is used to' lock the door 24 in closed position is mounted onl a short shaft 8| (Figs:` 3, 4, 5 and 6) carried in a bearln'giiz formed on a cover plate 83 )secured to 'a valve body '84 .of thevacuum valvedevice 21. The valve with the can A on the lifter pad 2|. The ring is y maintained in this alignedv position by the compression spring'52.

a pipe 81 which connects with a continuously operating vacuum pump 88 (Fig. l5) secured'to the base of the main frame 23. driven in any suitable manner.

Hence the .pump 88 being directly connected with the receiver 1| draws a vacuum on the receiver and normally maintains itin a'highly vacuumized condition.

The stationary member iin the valve body 84 carries a vertically movable valve stem 9|. The lower end of the stem extends down through the aperture 84 in the bottom of the member and carries a valve head 92 which is located in the valve outlet 85. When the valve stem moves up as will be hereinafter explained the valve head engages against a valve seat 93 on the bottom of the member 8| and .thus cuts o communication between the vacuum pump 88 and the receiver 1|.

The upper end of the valve stem 9| is connected to a exible vacuum cup or diaphragm 96 which covers the upper end of the valve clearance openingv 16. 'Ihe cup is held in place by a convex. cap 91 which is bolted to the top of the valvebody 84 to'form a hermetic seal. The interior space between the cap and the vacuum cup is continuously in communication with the interior of the sealing vchamber 22 by way of a tube 98 (Figs. 1 and 5). One end of the tube is threaded into a hole in the cap while the opposite end is threaded into a hole in a wall enclosing the sealing chamber, not shown.

Thus a pressure is maintained on the vacuum cup.` 96 in accordance with the vacuum condition vacuumized. the vacuumcup is flexed into the position shown in Figs. 5 and Gand thus the valve is maintainedin-an.openl position. This is thev normalposition ofgthe valve. w

The pump is the sealing chamber 22 is established by way of two channels 02 (Figs. 9 and 10) which are formed in the valve body 64. These channels lead from the valve clearance space 16 into a pair of vertical grooves |04, formed in a ilat face |06 of the valve body. The grooves are covered with a valve plate |01 which is held in place against the face |06 of the valve body, by the cover plate 63 and by the same bolts which hold the latter. The valve plate is formed with a pair of ports |08, |09 which-are in constant registry with the respective grooves |04, |05.

The valve plate |01 is also formed with a pair of ports I which register with a vertical groove ||2 formed in the face |06 of the valve body 64. Groove ||2 is an atmosphere groove and is located intermediate the two vacuumizing grooves |04, |05. groove 2 is in communication with a hole or aperture ||3 in the valve body. This hole leads to the outside atmosphere.

The outer face of the valve plate |01 hermetically fits against a valve disc |2| which is formed on the door locking handle shaft 6| and which rotates with the shaft. The disc is formed with The bottom end of the atmosphere a pair of oppositely disposed holes or ports |22.

The disc is located within a clearance space |23 enclosed by the cover plate 63 and this space is in communication with the sealing chamber 22 by way of a passageway |24, formed in the cover plate, and an aligning hole or aperture |25 which pierces the wall enclosing the chamber.

Thus when the door 24 is locked by turning the handle 26 (into the position shown in Fig. 8) the valve disc |2| rotates with it through ninety degrees and this brings the disc holes |22 into reg* istry with the ports |08, |09 in the stationary valve plate |01. This is the position of the parts as shown vin Figs. 6 and 9. This brings the sealing chamber 22 into direct connection'with the receiver 1| by way of the valve device 21.

Atmospheric air in the sealing chamber 22 and the can A locked therein immediately flows through the chamber hole |25, passageway |24,

space |23, channels |0|, |02 into the valve outlet 85. This air escapes past the valve head 92 through the aperture 84 into the valve space 16, spider spaces 83 of the valve member 8l, hole .15 in the valve body 64, port 13 of the conduit 14,

and opening 12 in the frame. into the vacuumized receiver 1|. The volume of the receiver 1I is greatly in excess of that of the lsealing chamber 22. I-Ience the air from the chamber iiowing over into the receiver rapidly reduces the quantity of air in the chamber, and equalized the pressure in both It rushes nally compartments. As a result, a partially vacuumized condition is established in the chamber. The pressure condition thus obtaining in the chamber is communicated by way of the tube 98 to the interior of the vacuum cup cover 91 and hence reduces the pressure on the top of the ilexible cup 96, thus equalizing the pressures above and below the cup.

Equalized pressure on the valve cup 96 permits a compression spring |3| (Figs. 5 and 6) interposed between the cup and the stationary valve member 8|, to flex the cup upwardly and hence lift the valve stem 9|. The lifting of the valve stem closes the valve head 92 against its seat 93 and thus cuts oi communicationv between the vacuum line 81 and the receiver 1|, as hereinbefore mentioned.

4.rapidly vacuumized. 'I'he vacuumized condition of the sealing chamber maintains this vacuum on the valve cup 96 and keeps the valve closed so that the chamber is directly connected with the vacuum pump during the can closing operation.

When the chamber is sufficiently vacuumized the handle 26 automatically is locked to prevent its turning so that the door cannot be opened until the machine cycle is completed. This locking of the handle is effected by a lock plunger |35 (Figs. 5 and 6) which is carried in a sleeve |36 secured in a bore |31 in the handle shaft bearing 62. The upper end of the sleeve is connected by a tube |36 to iluid pressure devices to be hereinafter described.

Fluid pressure in the tube exerts its force against thevplunger |35 and forces it down into a slot |39 in the handle shaft 6| and thus locks the handle 26 against movement. At the end of `a machine cycle, the pressure is relieved on the y At the completion of a machine cycle turning back of the handle 26 in a reverse direction (to the position of Figs. 5 and '7) breaks the vacuum Within the sealingY chamber 22 and unlocks the door 24. In this unlatched position of the handle, the valve disc ports |22 are in registry with the atmospherel ports of the valve plate |01 and communication between thesealing chamber and the vacuum pump 88 is cut ofi.

Atmospheric air by way of the hole ||3 and groove 2 in the valve body 64 rushes through the aligned ports and |22 into the space |23 in the valve disc cover plate 63 and thence directlv into the sealing chamber 22 by way of the passageway |24 and hole |25. It is this inrush of air that breaks the vacuum within the sealing chamber and permits of opening the door 24 to remove the can as hereinbefore mentioned.

Atmospheric air from within the sealing chamber 22 passes by way of the tube 98 into the space above the vacuum cup 96 of the valve. this air now acting on the top of the cup with the vacuum pump 88 still drawing a vacuum from below the valve 92 in the pipe line space 85, compresses the valve spring |3| and this opens the valve. The receiver 1| is in this way brought into communication with the vacuum pump and the latter exhausts the air therein and returns the receiver to a vacuumized condition inpreparation for the next cycle of the machine. This vacuumizing of the receiver is performed while the can, after sealing, is being removed from the sealing chamber 22 and while a newl can and cover are being inserted for the next cycle of the machine. Thus considerable time and energy are savedin the vacuumizing operations of this ma? is raised up to meet the superimposed cover B and then both can and cover are further lifted into the sealing head 29 for the sealing operation hereinbefore mentioned. 'Ihe sealing is effected- Hence preferably by seeming rollers |5| (Fig. 1) which are carried on the head in the manner usual in such can' sealing heads.

The sealing'head 29 may be a conventional can closing head such asd'escribed in the above mentioned Jacobs Patent 2,113,591, and is carried on a hollow vertical shaft |52 journaled in a bearing |53 in a casing |54 mounted on top of the machine frame 23. The shaft rotates on a sleeve |55 which is carried in a bearing |58 spaced above the shaft bearing |53. The sleeve guides a knockout stem |58 which extends down through the sealing head and carries on its lower end the knockout pad. or element 39 hereinbefore mentioned.

The upper end of the knockout stem |59 extends up into a hollow casing |81 enclosing a compartment |62 covered on its top by a ilexible vacuum cup |63. The cup is secured to the top end of the knockout stem and is backed up by a compression spring |84 surrounding the stem in-4 side the casing. Compartment |82 is constantly in communication with the sealing chamber 22 by way of a tube |55 which connects these parts.

The outer surface of the vacuum cup |88 is subjected at all times to outside atmosphericpressure vwhich enters the casing |54 through holes or apertures |66'in a wall of the casing;

Thus when an atmospheric pressure condition exists within the sealing chamber 22, air enters the compartment |62 of the knockout device and port ring 25 and will not interfere with .the opening ot the door 24.

The sealing head 29 is rotated continuously through a differential drive as by a pair. of spur gears |1|, |12 (Fig. 1) which are mountedon the head shaft |52 and on a rotatable sleeve within the shaft. 'I'his isv a usual sealing head drive.

thus' balances the pressure on the vacuum cup |63. This permits the compression spring |84 to force the cup and the knockout stem upwardly and thus hold the knockout pad 39 in its normal position within the sealing head 29, as sho'wniny v Fig. l. v

When the sealing chamber 22 has become vacuumized as hereinbefore explained, the air is exhausted from the knockout compartment |82 by Way of the tube |85 and this imbalances the v pressure on the vacuum cup |83. Atmosphericl pressure acting on the outer surface of the cup at such a time compressesthe spring |84 `and thus lowers the knockout stem |59. This brings the knockout pad 39 down into engagement` with thecan cover Bin the ring 25 (Fig. 18) and. thus holds the cover r4under can A picks it'fup. During the upwardtravel vacuum cup |63. This actionytakes place while the pressure on the can cover is maintained and this it" seated Aon vthe can. When the can`-v land; rgenter the sealing head 29 and aslong '-:asthjely remain inthe head, the v'acuumwithin When-the-vacuumis broken within-the seallngrm j chamber22,such a condition is relayedto thev Y-c'ompartment |82 by wayotthe. tube |85; The,

^ spring |54 thereupon liits'the into-its normal position withnltheheadll.- VIn thisnormal position. it is clear'ot-the'cover sup-VV pressure until the rising 'ofthe can and the cover, the canfthrough the cover lifts theknockout pad, against the atmospheric pressure on the a iiuid medium, preferably 'I'hese gears meshwith and are driven by a pair of driving gears |13, |14 'which arev mounted Lon,v

tric energy.

It has been stated that raising of the canA A and its cover B into the rotating sealing head 29 for the closing operation is by ascent of the lifter pad 2|. This lifter pad is secured to the upper end of a vertical plunger rod |9| (Fig. 1) carried in a long bearing |92 of a. cylinder |93.

In the machine shown in the drawings the eective stroke. of the lifter pad 2| in its mount.

ing is approximately'threeinches but the-range of cans which may be closed is from'one to fife teen inches. To providel for such a wide varia- I tion, the cylinder |93 is carried in a pair of spaced bearings |94. lThe cylinder may be vadjusted vertically to bring the pad into an approximate'posltion for the height of the cans being'closed and lto bring it within the lifter pad movement. After such an adjustment, the cylinder is locked in po. sitionas by a locking screwl |95 which is threaded into the machine vframe 23. The inner end of the screw bears against the cylinder.

Within' the cylinder |93, the lower end-ofthe plunger'rod |9|isformed with a plunger head |98 which constitutesvapiston.. The plunger v A head is backed Vup by va compressionvspringal 91v f disposed around the rod and interposedy between the plunger. head and-the rod bearing |92.; The* spring presses-downgon ltheplungerheadaand the lifterpad 2| llnits lower.- f

normally maintainsv most position.

the bottom surface of theplungerhead |95. For thisl purpose Vthe lower end of the cylinder'is fittedwith a cap. 20| having a port 202 which leads from 'a pipe-gconncction'203- threaded "into the cap. The 'pipe connectionv holdsone.. endy oi"I ai flexible tube 295 which extends up through the vacuumizfing receiver 1|. l

The upper end of the tubel extends-through lav wall of the frame 23 which vencloses ,the receiver.

This end of the tube is connected into a5 T1208` I (Eig. 4) ywhich connects withthepipe. 39..lead,,` ving'. to the' handle lockingl plunger |35 andwith g a' pipe 288 .which connectswith a valveplate12|l9 l (seeFigs-ilfi and .17).l ofan oil reservoir-2I 'lseQ-v.y

curedftoasideofthe main `frame 23.y The pipe c 203 leads .from.an outlet2l2--inthefplateand this outletis in communication with a reces` s"2|3"A ce oi elec- The pump@ comprises .af piston. 22| s yvliichfvv slides. l in a .cylinder/.2221 formed". in. they reseryoir. 'T-The 'level ottheoil'irnthereservoir isfmaintaine'd af positlonabove thjepumn level *and ports 223,

224 in the walls of the submerged cylinder permit the oil to ilow into the pump cylinder and kee it iined at an times.

During each cycle of operation of the machine the pump piston 22| is moved in its cylinder 222 through a forward or working stroke and thence formed in the casing |54. The cam roller is held under pressure against the cam by a compression spring 232 disposed between the piston 22| and the valve plate 209 adjacent the recess 2|3.

During acycle of operation of the machine the cam 228 makes one complete revolution. During the ilrst part of this revolution the cam moves the piston 22| through its forward or outward stroke. As soon as the piston begins to move, it

covers the ports 223, 224 in the cylinder walls and thereby traps within the cylinder the oil which flowed into it through the ports. As the piston continues to move forward this trapped oil is forced through the outlet 2| 2 in the valve plate 209 and thence into and through the pipe 208, and tube 205 to the lifter cylinder |93. rThe force of the oil acting against the plunger head |96 in the lifter cylinder raises the plunger |9| and the lifter pad 2| with its can A and thus lifts the can into the sealing head 29, as hereinbefore explained.

During the can sealing operation the can is held clamped against the sealing head by a steady pressure which is maintained on the-lifter mechanism. This pressure is brought about by the can coming to a stop by engagement with the head under the pressure of the pump piston 22| continuing its forward movement against the oil in the cylinder 222 and forcing this oil through a by-pass valve 235 (Figs. 16 and l1)v in the valve Plate 209.

'Ihe by-pass valve includes an outlet port 236 formed in the valve plate and having communication with the pump recess 2 I 3. The outlet port 236 leads into a vstationary hollow valvemember 231 having a concave seat 238 which normally receives a conical valve head 239 formed on a vertical stem 24|. The valve member and the valve head and its stem are disposed in a bore 242 in the valve plate. V

The upper end of the valve stem 24| slides in av bearing formed in an adjusting screw 245 threaded in the walls of the plate surrounding the bore 242. A compression spring 246 located around the valve stem and interposed between the screw 245 and the valve head 239 holds the latter in its normal closed position against the valve seat 238.

When the rising can A on the lifter pad 2| V engages against the sealing head 29, the oil iri the pump cylinder 222 under pressure of the moving piston 22| forces against-the vby-pass valve head 239 and partially opens the valve against the resistance of the spring 246, as shown in Fig. 17. A part of the oil ows up through the partially open valve and empties into the reservoir 2|| by way of a pair ofaligned ports 248, 249 formed respectively in the valve plate 209 and in the adjacent wall of the reservoir. By turning the screw 245 the pressure on the spring 246 may be adjusted so that a greater or lesser force exerted by the oil'will be required to open the vvalve sufiiciently to permit of the by-passing of A the oil or other non-compressible uid.

In this manner the maintained pressure on thelifter pad 2| and the can A thereon may be. regulated to any pressure required to eiiect a proper sealing or uniting of the can and its cover. 'I'his pressure is maintained for the greater part of the machine cycle. ,It is this pressure that also locks the'door handle 26, as hereinbefore mentioned.

During the latter -portion of the operating cycle, the cam 228 permits the pump spring 232 to move the piston 22| through its return stroke in the cylinder 222. 'I'his return movement of the piston relieves the pressure on the oil or other fluid medium and thus reduces the pressure onthe lifter pad 2|. When the piston has returned to its original or normal position, the pressure on the lifter pad has been fully dissipated and the pad therefore has moved down under the pressure of the spring |91 to its original lowered position.

When the piston is in this returned position it no longer covers the ports 223, 224 in the cylinder walls and this permits the oil medium from the reservoir to enter the cylinder and replace the oil that was by-passed through the valve 235 during the can closing operation.

Rotation of the pump operating cam 228 at the proper time is effected by the one revolution clutch device 28 (Figs. 13 and 14) hereinbefore mentioned. This clutch device includes a constantly rotating gear 25| (Fig. 1) which is mounted loosely on the vertical cam and clutch shaft 229. The gear meshes with and is rotated by pinion teeth 252 formed in the diilerential gear shaft |15. The gear is formed with a clutch hub 253 which revolves around a camhub 254 on the cam 228 (see also Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14). The clutch hub 253 is formed with a single notch 256 (Fig. 14) which periodically is engageable by a pawl or flapper 251 mounted on a pivot pin 258 in the cam hub 254. The flapper is 1ocated in a recess 259 in the cam hub and is backed-up by a spring barrel 26| disposed in a socket 262 in the cam hub.

'Ihe flapper 251 is held normally out of engage- I ment with the notch 256 in the clutch hub 263 and against the resistance of the spring barrel 26| byaI horizontal lever 265 (Fig. 11) which is disposed in the casing |54. Thus the gear 25| is permitted to rotate while the cam hub 254 and its connected parts normally remain stationary. The lever 265 is mounted on a pivot pin 268 carried in a pair of spaced lugs 261 which extend inwardly from the casing |54 (see also Fig.' 3).

The inner end .of the clutch lever 265 is formed with an enlarged end 269 which normally engages the pawl or flapper 251. The lever is maintained normally in a horizontal position by a compression spring 212 which is located adjacent the outer end of the lever and which is interposed between the lever and a wall of the casing |54. This end' of, the lever extends through linger 215. 'I'he contacting face of the trip ringer is contoured to afford the best cooperation with v the cam surface 214 oi the clutch lever.

'I'he trip finger 215 is located in a. recess 216 formed in a vertical slide member 211 carried in a slide housing 218 which is bolted to the casing |54. The iinger is mounted on and is secured to a pivot pin 28| carried in the slide. One

end of the pin extends through a slot 282 (Fig.

Vfor the can sealing operation.

41)` inthe housing and carries a knob 283 by means of which the pivot pin may bepulled down. This provides for manual manipulation of the trip finger when desired. The upper end of the finger vis maintained in contact with the horizontal lever 265 by-a compression spring 285 (Fig. 1l). whichl cam 228 which constitutes the cycle of operation The lower Uend ofthe' slide 2'| extends down f below the lboum-l1 of' the slide' housing 21s and carries a flexible vacuum cup or diaphragm 292.

The outeredge oi.' this cup is held Itightly in place againstthebottom oi. the housing by-a cup housing 293V whichis bolted to the slide housing.v The .cup housing. isl also bolted to themain frame 23.

The cup -292 extends' down into ya chamber 294 'inthe cuphousing 293. The upper side of the cupv is open to atmospheric pressure-by way ofl av vent aperture 295 in theslide housing 218.

,The lower side of the cup 2921sy subject to the air condition -that'obtains in the sealing chamber 22. For thislatter purpose the cup housing 293 is formed with a vertical passageway 298 which .leadsv from the cup chamber 294. This passageway extends into a horizontal passageway 291 .which is in communication with a pipe 298. At

the junction of these two passageways there is- .an adjustable needle valve 299 by means of which "the rate of flow of air from the other is regulated.

one passageway to One end of the pipe 298 maybe threaded into the cup housing and projects through an openingy 30| inthe adjacent frame wall of the receiver 1|. Bipe'298 lextends'to any convenient position inthe inner wall of the sealing chamber of the machine, the clutch dapper' 251 is withdrawn from the notch 256 in the clutch hub 259' and this disconnects the cam from the gear 25|.

The cam thus stops rotating. Withdrawal of the flapper from the clutch hub notch is ellected by a ring cam 305 (Figs. 12 and 13)v which is formed on the cam hub 254. 1

The ring cam 305 is shaped to press down on the inner end ofthe clutch'lever- 265 at the end of the cycle moving the lever into-the position shown in Fig. 13. The lever then is in the path of travel ol' the dapper. The flapper while rotating with the clutch hub upon engaging the end of the lclutch lever, is forced outof the clutch notch 258. The lever remains'in this horizontal position and'thus holds the apper out of the clutch notch.

When the vacuum in the sealing 'chamber 22 is broken to open the 'door 24 so that the sealed can may beremoved, the entering air also rushes into the cup chamber 294 of the c up housing 293 and -thus breaks the vacuum within thischamber. This permits the slide support spring 289 where it i's lthreaded into the-chamber wall.

lThisl is not shown but it will be understood that 'this end of the pipe is in communication with thejinterior ofthe sealing'ohamler 22.

Hence when the sealing chamber 22 is vacuumized the cup chamber 294 alsobecomes vacuumized. Thus when the `sealing chamberis suml ciently vacuumized to -begin the sealing operation onthe can A located therein, the vacuum condition'in the cup chamber permits theatmospheric air above-the cup'292 to push the cup down into the chamber into the position. of Fig. 12. This `movement of-the cup draws the slide211v down, `against the resistance -of :the slide supporting spring'289. The' descending slide draws the trip nger 215` down with it andsaid nger bears -down on the outer end of the lever 265'and tilts it-into the position shown in Fig. 12. -1

Tiltingofthetrip lever 265 raises its 'inner end above the clutchriapperv 251` and thus releases the apper. Thespring barrel behind the apper pushesthe latter.l outwardly againstthe inside surface oijthe'clutchhub 253 and when the notch` 1.256 in the continuously rotating clutch hub ad'- vances` adjacent the lapper the lattrengages Ithe notch and thus connects the clutchfhub with the cam-.hub l294. Thereupon these hubs revolveasoneunitffItis this clutching ac'tlonvthat rotates the pump cam 229 at the proper time to raise the lifter pad and its can A intol position -At-the end of a single revelution of the pump to lift the slide 2.11 and Itstripr finger 215 into its normal position as shown in Fig. 11 where it. is ready for a subsequentclutching operation when the next canto be closed is placed in the sealing chamber.

In order to eflect the raisingA of-the slide 211 as speedily as possible a relief valve is provided inthe cup housing 293. vThe relief valve includes a channel 306 which connects the passageway 291 with the cup chamber. This channelA is closed normally by a ball-301 which is backed up by a `compression spring 308 .interposed between the ball and a nut'309 threadedv into the cup housing. The nut is formed with Ya centralaperture 3| Atmospheric air flowing from the sealingrv chamber 22 into the cup chamber 294 by way of the passageways 296,291 and needle valve 299 ber than that aiforded'by the needle valve alone. The vacuum in the cup 'chamber thereupon is permitsof the rapid return of the slide 211 to its original raised position.

It is thought that the invention andmany of `its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and larrangement of the parts v without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages; the form hereinbefore described beingmerely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim:

l. In a Amachine for sealing containers under vacuum, the combination oi' a sealing chamber having means for'vacuumizing the same, a continuously rotatable sealing-head disposedjwithin' said chamber and having/means for rotating the same, a lifter pad disposed vinvertical Valignment with said head for supporting. ajcontainer having a loosely applied cover-thereonfwithin said cha'.`m"l

bertobe sea1ed. .ilu id pressure means' forelevat-v ning saidllfter/-pad audits supported container into said head lfor sealing thecover'on the conj-v tainer',' a'vertically'disposed clutch shaft rotatable by said sealinghead 1 rotating. meanaa clutch disposed on said shaft,` pressure' responsive means for rendering said vacuumizing means effective to vacuumize saidchamber with its enclosed container prior to sealing the latter, said pressure container with said sealing head to seal the cover on the container.

2. In a machine for sealing containers under vacuum, the combination of a sealing chamber having means for vacuumizing the same, a continuously rotatable sealing head disposed within said chamber and having means for rotating the same, a lifter pad disposed in vertical alignment with said head for supporting a container having a loosely applied cover thereon within said chamber to be sealed, uid pressure means for elevating said lifter pad and its supported container into said head for sealing the cover on the container, a vertically disposed clutch shaft rotatable by said sealing head rotating means, a normally inoperative clutch' disposed on said (shaft, pressure responsive means for connecting said vacuumizing means with said chamber to vacuumize the latter and its enclosed container prior to sealing the container, said pressure responsive means being operable to render said vacuumizing means ineffective to vacuumize said chamber after a predetermined degree of vacuum has been obtained, and a second pressure responsive means including a flexible diaphragm having valve controlled connection with said sealing chamber for engaging and disengaging said clutch with said head rotating means, whereby predetermined pressure conditions in the chamber obtained by said vacuumizing means are communicated to said second pressure responsive means to effect engagement of said clutch with said head rotating means to actuate said lifter pad elevating means and engage the vacuumized container with said head to seal the container.

3. In a machine for sealing containers under vacuum, the combination of a sealing chamber having means for vacuumizing the same, a continuously rotatablesealing'head disposed within said chamber and having means for rotating the same, a lifter pad disposed-in vertical alignment with said head for supporting a container having a loosely applied cover thereon within said chamber to be sealed, fluid pressure means for elevating said lifter pad and its supportedcontainer into said head for sealing the cover on the container, a vertically disposed clutch shaft rotatable by said sealing head rotating means, a normally inoperative clutch disposed on said shaft, pressure responsive means effective in one position to connect said vacuumizing means with said chamber to vacuumize the latter and its enclosed container prior to sealing the container, said pressure responsive means in another position closing off communication between said vacuumizing means and said chamber after a predetermined degree of vacuum has been obtained, a movable lever for engaging and disengaging said clutch with said head rotating means, a trip iinger engageable with said lever, movable means for supporting said ringer, and pressure responsive means including a movable diaphragm connecting said nger supporting means with said sealing chamber, whereby a predetermined pressure condition in said chamber as determined by said vacuumizing means is communicated to said iinger supporting means so as to render said movable lever effective to connect said clutch with said head rotating means, said clutch when thus connected actuating said lifter pad elevating means to engage the vacuumized container with said head to seal the container.

HOWARD B. PETERSON.

ROLAND E. RENARD. 

